Lipopolysaccharides-mediated injury to chondrogenic ATDC5 cells can be relieved by Sinomenine via downregulating microRNA-192

Application of 3D bioprinting technology apply to assessing Dangguiniantongtang (DGNT) decoctions in arthritis

The aim of this study was to develop a three-dimensional (3D) cell model in order to evaluate the effectiveness of a traditional Chinese medicine decoction in the treatment of arthritis. Chondrocytes (ATDC5) and osteoblasts (MC3T3-E1) were 3D printed separately using methacryloyl gelatin (GelMA) hydrogel bioinks to mimic the natural 3D cell environment. Both cell types showed good biocompatibility in GelMA. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) was added to the cell models to create inflammation models, which resulted in increased expression of inflammatory factors IL-1β, TNF-α, iNOS, and IL-6, and decreased expression of cell functional genes such as Collagen II (COLII), transcription factor SOX-9 (Sox9), Aggrecan, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), RUNX family transcription factor 2 (Runx2), Collagen I (COLI), Osteopontin (OPN), and bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2). The created inflammation model was then used to evaluate the effectiveness of Dangguiniantongtang (DGNT) decoctions. The results showed that DGNT reduced the expression of inflammatory factors and increased the expression of functional genes in the cell model. In summary, this study established a 3D cell model to assess the effectiveness of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) decoctions, characterized the gene expression profile of the inflammatory state model, and provided a practical reference for future research on TCM efficacy evaluation for arthritis treatment.

Bioactivities and Mechanisms of Action of Sinomenine and Its Derivatives: A Comprehensive Review

Sinomenine, an isoquinoline alkaloid extracted from the roots and stems of Sinomenium acutum, has been extensively studied for its derivatives as bioactive agents. This review concentrates on the research advancements in the biological activities and action mechanisms of sinomenine-related compounds until November 2023. The findings indicate a broad spectrum of pharmacological effects, including antitumor, anti-inflammation, neuroprotection, and immunosuppressive properties. These compounds are notably effective against breast, lung, liver, and prostate cancers, exhibiting IC50 values of approximately 121.4 nM against PC-3 and DU-145 cells, primarily through the PI3K/Akt/mTOR, NF-κB, MAPK, and JAK/STAT signaling pathways. Additionally, they manifest anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects predominantly via the NF-κB, MAPK, and Nrf2 signaling pathways. Utilized in treating rheumatic arthritis, these alkaloids also play a significant role in cardiovascular and cerebrovascular protection, as well as organ protection through the NF-κB, Nrf2, MAPK, and PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathways. This review concludes with perspectives and insights on this topic, highlighting the potential of sinomenine-related compounds in clinical applications and the development of medications derived from natural products.

Towards Better Sinomenine-Type Drugs to Treat Rheumatoid Arthritis: Molecular Mechanisms and Structural Modification

Sinomenine is the main component of the vine Sinomenium acutum. It was first isolated in the early 1920s and has since attracted special interest as a potential anti-rheumatoid arthritis (RA) agent, owing to its successful application in traditional Chinese medicine for the treatment of neuralgia and rheumatoid diseases. In the past few decades, significant advances have broadened our understanding of the molecular mechanisms through which sinomenine treats RA, as well as the structural modifications necessary for improved pharmacological activity. In this review, we summarize up-to-date reports on the pharmacological properties of sinomenine in RA treatment, document their underlying mechanisms, and provide an overview of promising sinomenine derivatives as potential RA drug therapies.

Sinomenine activation of Nrf2 signaling prevents inflammation and cerebral injury in a mouse model of ischemic stroke

Sinomenine (SINO), which is used clinically to treat rheumatoid arthritis and neuralgia, is derived from the root and stems of Sinomenium acutum. SINO has been reported to exert analgesic, sedative and anti-inflammatory effects, and provides a protective role against shock and organ damage. Studies have suggested that SINO primarily exerts it anti-inflammatory function by inhibiting NF-κB signaling. There is also evidence to indicate that SINO may regulate inflammation Nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2 (Nrf2) signaling. The present study aimed to investigate whether the anti-inflammatory and cerebral protective effects of SINO were induced through Nrf2 both in vitro and in vivo. The results revealed that SINO significantly upregulated Nrf2 protein expression levels, increased Nrf2 nuclear translocation and the upregulated the protein expression levels of downstream factors. The treatment of a middle cerebral artery occlusion model mice with SINO effectively reduced cerebral damage and inflammation, and restored the balance in cerebral oxidative stress. In addition, SINO treatment also promoted Nrf2-dependent microglia M1/M2 polarization and inhibited the phosphorylation of IκBα as well as NF-κB nuclear translocation. This revealed an important upstream event that contributed to its anti-inflammatory and cerebral tissue protective effects. In conclusion, the findings of the present study identified a novel pathway through which SINO may exert its anti-inflammatory and cerebral protective functions, and provided a molecular basis for the potential applications of SINO in the treatment of cerebral inflammatory disorders.

Diagnostic and Prognostic Role of miR-192 in Different Cancers: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Introduction

It has been shown that miR-192 is abnormally expressed in a variety of cancer types and participates in different kinds of signaling pathways. The role of miR-192 in the diagnosis and prognosis of cancer has not been verified. This article is aimed at exploring the diagnostic and prognostic value of miR-192 through a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Methods

A systematic search was performed through PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library databases up to June 16, 2020. A total of 16 studies were enrolled in the meta-analyses, of which 11 articles were used for diagnostic meta-analysis and 5 articles were used for prognostic meta-analysis. The values of sensitivity and specificity using miR-192 expression as a diagnostic tool were pooled in the diagnostic meta-analysis. The hazard ratios (HRs) of overall survival (OS) with 95 confidence intervals (CIs) were extracted from the studies, and pooled HRs were evaluated in the prognostic meta-analysis. Eleven studies including 667 cancer patients and 514 controls met the eligibility criteria for the diagnostic meta-analysis. Five studies including 166 patients with high miR-192 expression and 236 patients with low miR-192 expression met the eligibility criteria for the prognostic meta-analysis.

Results

The overall diagnostic accuracy was as follows: sensitivity 0.79 (95%CI = 0.75-0.82), specificity 0.74 (95%CI = 0.64-0.82), positive likelihood ratio 3.03 (95%CI = 2.11-4.34), negative likelihood ratio 0.29 (95%CI = 0.23-0.37), diagnostic odds ratio 10.50 (95%CI = 5.89-18.73), and area under the curve ratio (AUC) 0.82 (95%CI = 0.78-0.85). The overall prognostic analysis showed that high expression of miR-192 in patients was associated with positive survival (HR = 0.62, 95%CI : 0.41-0.93, p = 0.020).

Conclusion

Our results revealed that miR-192 was a potential biomarker with good sensitivity and specificity in cancers. Moreover, highly expressed miR-192 predicted a good prognosis for patients.

Tripterygium and its plant extraction for systemic lupus erythematosus: A protocol for systematic review and meta analysis

BACKGROUND

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is a diffuse connetive tissue disease, which is difficult to be conquered. However, the traditional Chinese medicine is significant in the treatment. And the Chinese medicine tripterygium and its plant extraction can help us to overcome this disease, to some extent.

METHODS

The deadline should be from inception to February 2020 by computer from the databases: the Cochrane Library, Pubmed, Embase, Web of Science in English and the Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang Database, Chinese Biomedical Literature Database and Chinese Science, Chinese Traditional Medicine Database, Chinese Science and Technology Periodical Database in Chinese. Included criteria are randomized controlled trials. The primary outcomes are the clinical symptoms, systemic lupus erythematosus disease activity index and quality of life questionnaire (the top 10 frequency). We will use RevMan 5.0 statistical software for data synthesis, sensitivity analysis, meta regression, subgroup analysis, and risk of bias assessment. The publish bias will be assessed by a funnel plot and the funnel plot symmetries will be evaluated by Begg and Egger tests. We will use the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation system to assess the quality of evidence.

RESULTS

This article will give a protocol for meta analysis which can make sure the efficacy and side effect of the tripterygium and its plant extraction for SLE.

CONCLUSION

The efficacy and side effect of the tripterygium and its plant extraction for SLE will be evaluated.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

Without personal information involved, ethical approval and informed consent form is no need. The review will be submitted to a peer-reviewed journal prospectively to spread our findings.

PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER

PROSPERO CRD42020176444.

Chinese Herbal Medicines for Rheumatoid Arthritis: Text-Mining the Classical Literature for Potentially Effective Natural Products

Background

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease characterized by multijoint swelling, pain, and destruction of the synovial joints. Treatments are available but new therapies are still required. One source of new therapies is natural products, including herbs used in traditional medicines. In China and neighbouring countries, natural products have been used throughout recorded history and are still in use for RA and its symptoms. This study used text-mining of a database of classical Chinese medical books to identify candidates for future clinical and experimental investigations of therapeutics for RA.

Methods

The database Encyclopaedia of Traditional Chinese Medicine (Zhong Hua Yi Dian) includes the full texts of over 1,150 classical books. Eight traditional terms were searched. All citations were assessed for relevance to RA. Results and Conclusions. After removal of duplications, 3,174 citations were considered. After applying the exclusion and inclusion criteria, 548 citations of traditional formulas were included. These derived from 138 books written from 206 CE to 1948. These formulas included 5,018 ingredients (mean, 9 ingredients/formula) comprising 243 different natural products. When these text-mining results were compared to the 18 formulas recommended in a modern Chinese Medicine clinical practice guideline, 44% of the herbal formulas were the same. This suggests considerable continuity in the clinical application of these herbs between classical and modern Chinese medicine practice. Of the 15 herbs most frequently used as ingredients of the classical formulas, all have received research attention, and all have been reported to have anti-inflammatory effects. Two of these 15 herbs have already been developed into new anti-RA therapeutics—sinomenine from Sinomenium acutum (Thunb.) Rehd. & Wils and total glucosides of peony from Paeonia lactiflora Pall. Nevertheless, there remains considerable scope for further research. This text-mining approach was effective in identifying multiple natural product candidates for future research.